Judge Backs Trump in Minnesota Trans Student Case, Citing No Final Title IX Action
Updated
Updated · POLITICO · Aug 11
Judge Backs Trump in Minnesota Trans Student Case, Citing No Final Title IX Action
3 articles · Updated · POLITICO · Aug 11
Summary
Chief Judge Eric Tostrud dismissed Minnesota’s challenge to the Trump administration’s findings on trans-inclusive school policies, ruling the state had not shown a present legal injury.
Tostrud said no final federal action has been taken: agency findings and warning letters do not themselves trigger penalties unless a Title IX hearing or civil enforcement case later finds Minnesota noncompliant.
The ruling also rejected Minnesota’s claims under the Administrative Procedure Act and the 10th Amendment, despite the state arguing federal pressure conflicts with Minnesota laws barring gender-identity discrimination and bullying.
Tostrud pointed to the Supreme Court’s June ruling upholding state bans on trans athletes, saying its reading of Title IX sex protections as biological sex lends some support to the administration’s position.
A separate federal case is still moving forward, with the Trump administration asking a Minnesota court to find the state education department and high school league violated Title IX by allowing trans girls on girls’ teams and in matching locker rooms.